Description

About Vasai fort:

One of the largest forts in the Mumbai Metropolitan region, Vasai Fort is not just an oasis of green in a space starved city, it is a site of immense historical importance. The events that took place here have a very direct impact on every Mumbaikar’s life. Spread over 110 acres today, this fort is less than an hour away from Mumbai, but will take you hundreds of years back into time.

About our local expert:

The walk be led by a local resident of Vasai – Sunil D’Mello, with the support of Deepak Machado. Sunil is a certified travel industry professional while Deepak is a communications and rural development professional. They are part of the Vasai Heritage Group, and are passionate and proud of the historical heritage of Vasai.

The walk has been curated by Pascal Lopes, who is also from Vasai and is one of the leading experts on the fort and its history. A highly-regarded historian, Pascal holds a master’s degree in Numismatics & Archeology from the University of Mumbai and has profound knowledge of medieval Indian history, as he researches for his PHD around the Portuguese and Maratha Era using ancient coins. Often quoted in the media for his views and his research, he is also currently writing a book about ancient Indian history.

About the experience:

Over the course of 3 hours, we will physically visit most of the fort’s ruins and structures, and at the same time be transported back into time as we learn about the different kingdoms that controlled the fort over different eras and their impact on modern Indian history and culture. On this interactive experience, we will learn about the various battles that took place here and the treaties that were consequently signed.

We will be also treated to great views of the fort’s structures, its surroundings and the skyline of Mumbai from across the creek. If time permits, we will also visit a secret tunnel that runs beneath the fort.

Meeting point: Statue of Chimaji Appa, at the center of the fort at 7:45 am. As with all Swadesee experiences, we are rather punctual and will start the tour by 8:00 am sharp.

By public transport (recommended) – Take a local train to Vasai Road, get out at Vasai West and then catch a bus or take a rickshaw to Vasai Fort.

By private car – Please follow the above link on Google Maps. Ample parking is available for free inside the fort. Approximate taken from Bandra (BKC) is around 1 hour 20 minutes without traffic.

To bring:

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as we will walk 2-3 km around the fort

A bottle of water (non-disposable bottles preferred)

Cap and sunglasses

Camera (optional)

Curiosity (compulsory!)

Please note that breakfast is not included, however we shall be stopping for a short tea/coffee break around 9:30 am, where one can order tea/coffee and some snacks as per their own discretion. You can also eat food that you have brought for yourself.